State Attorney's Office launches Hurricane Response Team

The State Attorney's Office reignited their Hurricane Response Team for the first time since after its use following Hurricane Charley.

The team will focus on price gouging alongside the Attorney General's office, unlicensed contractors, and burglaries, especially those occurring during a State of Emergency.

Many of the above crimes include enhanced charges when they happen during the State of Emergency, which Southwest Florida was under surrounding the landfall of Hurricane Irma.

Price gouging is already being investigated in many cases by the Attorney General's office, which can bring civil complaints forward, but the State Attorney will investigate whether any of the incidents rise to the level of being criminal.

In Lee, Collier and Hendry counties, several arrests were already made for what's commonly referred to as looting, or burglary of homes and businesses that happens during a State of Emergency. Those charges can be enhanced, which carry with it additional penalties if convicted.

Unlicensed contractors often appear, especially from out-of-state, after a natural disaster. People are warned to make sure any work done to your home is by someone licensed and insured by the state of Florida. Contractors also must get the proper permitting as they work on repairs to your home and business.